Younger players to get long look in Texans’ preseason opener

First, the coaching and personnel departments will use the game to evaluate players, especially those trying to win backup roles and rookies trying to make the team.
Second and most important will be trying to make it through the game without a serious injury.

Preseason isn’t crucial for veterans like Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Ed Reed and Brian Cushing, four of the 20 players who will be kept out of the game.

Cushing, who has watched and participated in practice at training camp, knows which young players he is eager to see.

“There are a lot of talented guys, but obviously, I’m a defensive-minded player, so I’m excited to see guys like (free safety) D.J. (Swearinger), (outside linebacker) Willie Jefferson and (cornerback) A.J. Bouye.

“We’ve seen them in practice, and it’s going to be exciting to see them in game situations. We know they have play-making capabilities, and now they get the chance to turn it loose.”

Swearinger, who will come off the bench, and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who will start, have been the most impressive rookies so far. That’s to be expected since Hopkins was selected in the first round and Swearinger in the second.

<center><strong>2002</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 5: Giants 34, Texans 17</strong></center>
The first exhibition contest in franchise history came in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. Avion Black's 71-yard punt return was one of the highlights for Houston in the loss. less

<center><strong>2002</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 5: Giants 34, Texans 17</strong></center>
The first exhibition contest in franchise history came in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. ... more

Photo: Christobal Perez / Houston Chronicle

Image 2 of 49

<center><strong>2002</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 10: Texans 13, Saints 10</strong></center>
The first win in franchise history came against the Saints in the Superdome in the second preseason game in franchise history. less

<center><strong>2002</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 10: Texans 13, Saints 10</strong></center>
The first win in franchise history came against the Saints in the Superdome in the second preseason ... more

Photo: Andrew J. Cohoon / Associated Press

Image 3 of 49

<center><strong>2002</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 17: Chiefs 19, Texans 9</strong></center>
Priest Holmes and Morten Anderson accounted for all 19 points and the Texans racked up 19 penalties for over 100 yards in the loss to the Chiefs. less

<center><strong>2002</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 24: Dolphins 24, Texans 3</strong></center>
The Texans failed to score a touchdown in the first game played in Reliant Stadium, which ended up being a lopsided loss to the Dolphins. less

<center><strong>2002</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 24: Dolphins 24, Texans 3</strong></center>
The Texans failed to score a touchdown in the first game played in Reliant Stadium, which ended up ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 5 of 49

<center><strong>2002</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 30: Buccaneers 17, Texans 13</strong></center>
David Carr's early exit in the second quarter left coaches and fans alike saying prayers, but the No. 1 pick and starting QB for the Texans escaped with only a bruised right knee and was able to play in the season opener a week later.
<center><strong>2002 preseason record: 1-4</center></strong> less

<center><strong>2002</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 30: Buccaneers 17, Texans 13</strong></center>
David Carr's early exit in the second quarter left coaches and fans alike saying prayers, but ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 6 of 49

<center><strong>2003</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 9: Broncos 20, Texans 12</strong></center>
Gray Kubiak's Broncos came to Houston and kept the Texans out of the endzone in the 2003 preseason opener. The Broncos would go on to win 10 games and make the playoffs while the Texans lost 11 games. less

<center><strong>2003</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 9: Broncos 20, Texans 12</strong></center>
Gray Kubiak's Broncos came to Houston and kept the Texans out of the endzone in the 2003 preseason ... more

Photo: Christobal Perez / Houston Chronicle

Image 7 of 49

<center><strong>2003</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 15: Cowboys 34, Texans 6</strong></center>
The Texans may have beaten the Cowboys for the first regular-season win in franchise history in 2002, but Dallas got revenge in the 2003 preseason by hanging 34 on Houston in Texas Stadium. less

<center><strong>2003</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 15: Cowboys 34, Texans 6</strong></center>
The Texans may have beaten the Cowboys for the first regular-season win in franchise history in ... more

Photo: Karl Stolleis / Houston Chronicle

Image 8 of 49

<center><strong>2003</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 23: Chargers 19, Texans 17</strong></center>
David Carr and Andre Johnson were on point against the Chargers' starting defenders, but Johnson's 81 yards and touchdown weren't enough to hold of the Chargers as a San Diego field goal with 20 seconds left proved to be the difference. less

<center><strong>2003</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 23: Chargers 19, Texans 17</strong></center>
David Carr and Andre Johnson were on point against the Chargers' starting defenders, but Johnson's ... more

Photo: Christobal Perez / Houston Chronicle

Image 9 of 49

<center><strong>2003</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 28: Buccaneers 34, Texans 3</strong></center>
Houston ended this win-less preseason with a beat down by the returning Super Bowl champion Buccaneers. Houston could muster only 47 yards and two first downs in the opening half.
<center><strong>2003 preseason record: 0-4</center></strong> less

<center><strong>2004</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 14: Texans 18, Cowboys 0</strong></center>
Dallas' debut of veterans Vinny Testaverde, Eddie George and Keyshawn Johnson was spoiled by Houston at Reliant Stadium as the Texans shut out the Cowboys in the 2003 preseason opener. less

<center><strong>2004</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 27: Broncos 31, Texans 17</strong></center>
Texans running back Tony Hollings had a kickoff return for a touchdown and a 79-yard performance but Houston's bench players were no match for Denver's reserves. less

<center><strong>2004</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 27: Broncos 31, Texans 17</strong></center>
Texans running back Tony Hollings had a kickoff return for a touchdown and a 79-yard performance ... more

<center><strong>2005</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 13: Broncos 20, Texans 14</strong></center>
Houston had a touchdown in the opening quarter but was held scoreless until the fourth quarter, long after Denver had established a solid advantage. less

<center><strong>2005</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 13: Broncos 20, Texans 14</strong></center>
Houston had a touchdown in the opening quarter but was held scoreless until the fourth quarter, ... more

Photo: Kevin Fujii / Houston Chronicle

Image 15 of 49

<center><strong>2005</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 20: Texans 19, Raiders 17</strong></center>
Three Kris Brown field goals and one David Carr touchdown were enough for the Texans to beat Oakland at Reliant Stadium. less

<center><strong>2005</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 20: Texans 19, Raiders 17</strong></center>
Three Kris Brown field goals and one David Carr touchdown were enough for the Texans to beat ... more

Photo: Steve Ueckert / Houston Chronicle

Image 16 of 49

<center><strong>2005</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 27: Cowboys 21, Texans 9</strong></center>
A kickoff return for a touchdown by Reggie Swinton and a 50-yard field goal from Kris Brown was all Houston could accomplish against Dallas. less

<center><strong>2005</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 27: Cowboys 21, Texans 9</strong></center>
A kickoff return for a touchdown by Reggie Swinton and a 50-yard field goal from Kris Brown was all ... more

Photo: Kevin Fujii / Houston Chronicle

Image 17 of 49

<center><strong>2005</center></strong>
<center><strong>Sept. 1: Buccaneers 38, Texans 14</strong></center>
<center><strong>2005 preseason record: 1-3</center></strong>
With 24 points in the first two quarters, Tampa Bay had sealed the game's outcome by halftime. less

<center><strong>2005</center></strong>
<center><strong>Sept. 1: Buccaneers 38, Texans 14</strong></center>
<center><strong>2005 preseason record: 1-3</center></strong>
With 24 points in the first two ... more

Photo: Kevin Fujii / Houston Chronicle

Image 18 of 49

<center><strong>2006</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 12: Texans 24, Chiefs 14</strong></center>
Balanced scoring seemed to be a rarity for the Texans in the majority of their preseason contests. Some unexpected consistency helped down Kansas City. less

<center><strong>2006</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 12: Texans 24, Chiefs 14</strong></center>
Balanced scoring seemed to be a rarity for the Texans in the majority of their preseason contests. ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 19 of 49

<center><strong>2006</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 19: Texans 27, Rams 20</strong></center>
A 44-yard touchdown connection between Sage Rosenfels and Derrick Lewis gave Houston the cushion it needed over St. Louis. less

<center><strong>2006</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 27: Broncos 17, Texans 14</strong></center>
The Texans rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but Denver held on for the victory. less

<center><strong>2006</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 27: Broncos 17, Texans 14</strong></center>
The Texans rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but Denver held on for the ... more

<center><strong>2007</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 11: Bears 20, Texans 19</strong></center>
Houston had a 19-7 lead in the fourth quarter but Chicago rallied to steal a win. less

<center><strong>2007</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 11: Bears 20, Texans 19</strong></center>
Houston had a 19-7 lead in the fourth quarter but Chicago rallied to steal a ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 23 of 49

<center><strong>2007</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 18: Texans 33, Cardinals 20</strong></center>
Houston's 13-point lead at halftime translated into a victory over Arizona by the same margin. less

<center><strong>2007</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 18: Texans 33, Cardinals 20</strong></center>
Houston's 13-point lead at halftime translated into a victory over Arizona by the same ... more

<center><strong>2008</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 9: Texans 19, Broncos 16</strong></center>
Kris Brown nailed a 25-yard field goal as time expired to a slim three-point victory. less

<center><strong>2008</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 9: Texans 19, Broncos 16</strong></center>
Kris Brown nailed a 25-yard field goal as time expired to a slim three-point ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 27 of 49

<center><strong>2008</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 16: Texans 31, Saints 27</strong></center>
A 10-yard touchdown rush from Steve Slaton put the Texans ahead for good in the fourth quarter. less

<center><strong>2008</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 16: Texans 31, Saints 27</strong></center>
A 10-yard touchdown rush from Steve Slaton put the Texans ahead for good in the fourth ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 28 of 49

<center><strong>2008</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 22: Cowboys 23, Texans 22</strong></center>
A failed two-point conversion in the fourth quarter gave Dallas the win this time. less

<center><strong>2008</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 22: Cowboys 23, Texans 22</strong></center>
A failed two-point conversion in the fourth quarter gave Dallas the win this ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 29 of 49

<center><strong>2008</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 28: Buccaneers 16, Texans 6</strong></center>
<center><strong>2008 preseason record: 2-2</center></strong>
Another outcome decided by halftime. Houston was shut out in the final two quarters. less

<center><strong>2009</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 15: Texans 16, Chiefs 10</strong></center>
Houston scored the majority of its points in the first half but managed to get the best of the Chiefs. less

<center><strong>2009</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 15: Texans 16, Chiefs 10</strong></center>
Houston scored the majority of its points in the first half but managed to get the best of the ... more

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

Image 31 of 49

<center><strong>2009</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 22: Saints 38, Texans 14</strong></center>
New Orleans had 420 total yards as they seemed quite comfortable in Reliant Stadium. less

<center><strong>2009</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 22: Saints 38, Texans 14</strong></center>
New Orleans had 420 total yards as they seemed quite comfortable in Reliant ... more

<center><strong>2010</center></strong>
<center><strong>Sept. 2: Buccaneers 24, Texans 17</strong></center>
<center><strong>2010 preseason record: 1-3</center></strong>
By not scoring until the second half, the Texans were doomed by the offense's late start. less

<center><strong>2010</center></strong>
<center><strong>Sept. 2: Buccaneers 24, Texans 17</strong></center>
<center><strong>2010 preseason record: 1-3</center></strong>
By not scoring until the second ... more

<center><strong>2011</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 20: Texans 27, Saints 14</strong></center>
Arian Foster's two touchdowns in the first quarter kept New Orlenas behind for good. less

<center><strong>2011</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 20: Texans 27, Saints 14</strong></center>
Arian Foster's two touchdowns in the first quarter kept New Orlenas behind for ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 40 of 49

<center><strong>2011</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 27: Texans 30, 49ers 7</strong></center>
San Francisco scored first but that was it for the 49ers. The Texans ran away with the game afterward. less

<center><strong>2011</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 27: Texans 30, 49ers 7</strong></center>
San Francisco scored first but that was it for the 49ers. The Texans ran away with the game ... more

Photo: John Storey / Special to the Chronicle

Image 41 of 49

<center><strong>2011</center></strong>
<center><strong>Sept. 1: Vikings 28, Texans 0</strong></center>
<center><strong>2011 preseason record: 3-1</center></strong>
The single loss of the 2011 preseason came in embarrassing fashion. less

<center><strong>2013</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 25: Saints 31, Texans 23</strong></center>
Andre Johnson caught seven passes for 131 yards as the first team offense looked strong in the first half. less

<center><strong>2013</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 25: Saints 31, Texans 23</strong></center>
Andre Johnson caught seven passes for 131 yards as the first team offense looked strong in the first ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

Image 49 of 49

<center><strong>2013</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 30: Texans 24, Cowboys 6</strong></center>
The 'Boys proved to be no match for safety D.J. Swearinger and the Bulls on Parade. less

<center><strong>2013</center></strong>
<center><strong>Aug. 30: Texans 24, Cowboys 6</strong></center>
The 'Boys proved to be no match for safety D.J. Swearinger and the Bulls on ... more